Number of senators tell Seanad they are not Russian spy alleged in newspaper report

Also, speaking in Washington, Taoiseach Simon Harris said that Russia actively seeks to influence debate and that Ireland is not immune from this

While it is understood that at least one politician has taken legal advice about the report, a number of senators used Wednesday's Order of Business to declare that they were not the agent. File photo

A number of senators have denied that they are the politician accused of being a Russian asset.

A recent report suggested that a member of the Oireachtas had been ensnared in a "honeytrap" and had been used as a Russian spy within the Irish political system. A number of senior politicians have privately voiced their belief that the person involved should come forward and allow all of their actions be scrutinised in the context of the revelation.

While it is understood that at least one politician has taken legal advice about the report, a number of senators used Wednesday's Order of Business to declare that they were not the agent, who the Sunday Times has given the handle "Cobalt".

“There have been some rumours circulating that members of the upper house have been involved with Russia and there may or may not be a spy in our midst,” Fianna Fáil Senator Timmy Dooley said.

“I think its important in order to avoid any potential stain on this house, that members would voluntarily make a statement that they are not the subject of any investigation or that they have never been in the clutches of Russia.

“And before I sit down, I can declare that I am no such person,” he added.

Seanad Cathaoirleach Jerry Buttimer reminded members that no identification had been included in the article, but added that he too was not a Russian spy. He was joined by others including Fianna Fáil's Malcolm Byrne and Fiona O'Loughlin and Fine Gael's Maria Byrne.

Russian influence

Meanwhile, speaking in Washington, Taoiseach Simon Harris said that Russia actively seeks to influence debate and that Ireland is not immune from this.

"I'm limited in what I can say in relation to national security, and generally, we don't comment on matters of national security. We do that to keep our people safe and to keep our country safe as well. I think we need to be alert in Ireland to the fact that we're not immune from Russian influence. 

"Russia is a country that seeks to actively influence public debate and discourse, and I think it's also a statement of fact to say that that level of activity has increased by Russia since their brutal, illegal invasion of Ukraine. 

"Therefore the gardaí and our security services obviously monitor these matters very closely. Gardaí take these matters extremely seriously, there are laws in our country, laws are enforced, laws are followed, and the laws of the land are rigorously applied in all cases."

Mr Harris said he takes seriously "the issue in relation to Russian activity across the European Union, in many countries across the world" saying that "there are bad actors who seek to influence and distort public discourse".

Asked if the person should come forward, Mr Harris said: "That's not my priority. My priority is to make sure that the gardaí and our security services are empowered to do their job in terms of keeping our country safe. 

"And I'm very satisfied that that is the case. Even the word 'Cobalt' is obviously a name that has been given by a newspaper, which is fine, but it's not obviously a name that's been given by the gardaí in relation to this matter."